Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has called for the immediate resignation of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing him of undermining the party’s unity and leadership.
Jhanda, a vocal critic of Sifuna’s recent public statements, said the ODM Secretary General has failed in his role and should either step down or be expelled. “Sifuna must resign or be expelled from ODM. You cannot dine at the table of unity by day and sharpen swords of sabotage by night. That’s political conmanship,” said Jhanda during a press briefing. “If you think you have better ideas than President Ruto, run against him. Enough of the double speak from ODM.”
The controversy stems from Sifuna’s remarks during an appearance on Citizen TV’s Explainer show on Tuesday, where he admitted that ODM is in disarray, lacks ideological clarity, and no longer speaks with a unified voice. He cited the formation of the broad-based government and the appointment of ODM members to President William Ruto’s cabinet as factors contributing to internal confusion.
Sifuna’s statements have also drawn sharp criticism from former ODM chairman and current Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who dismissed the remarks as personal views that do not reflect the party’s official position.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed, defending the decision to accept cabinet positions within the Kenya Kwanza administration. He insisted that the appointments were made with ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga’s full knowledge and approval after consultations with President Ruto.
The escalating war of words exposes deepening cracks within ODM as it navigates its role in the evolving political landscape shaped by the bipartisan government framework.
Written By Rodney Mbua
